Obit: Breseman, Algarnon "Al" Phillip (1919 - 2010)

Contact: Dolores Mohr Kenyon

Email: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Breseman, Macklin, Rivas, Dichev

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI.) July 7, 2010

Breseman, Algarnon "Al" Phillip (17 November 1919 - 28 June 2010) With flag

Algarnon (Al) Phillip Breseman of Lakeland, FL, passed away June 28, 2010, at the age of 90.

Al was born in Neillsville Nov. 17, 1919.  He served in the U. S. Army during WWII and received a degree from the University of Wisconsin in food industry/dairy products. After managing the family-owned York Dairy Cheese Factory in Granton, he was employed by the State of Wisconsin Department of Agriculture as a supervisor of cheese and butter grading/inspecting.  During 28 years working for the state, Al became a highly regarded Master Cheese Maker who was called upon to judge cheese contest and nationally market Wisconsin dairy products throughout the U. S. and Europe.  Al was involved in numerous food-related trade associations and instrumental in the development of the International Dairy Deli-Bakery Association, a major trade organization whose conventions are held annually throughout the U. S.

He and his wife, Viv retired in 1981 and relocated to Lakeland, FL.  They traveled extensively throughout the U. S. and abroad.  Along with spending time with family and traveling, camping was always near and dear to his heart.  His family has many memories of searching for the best camping site, putting up the tent and pounding the stakes.

As a young man Al and his father Bill entertained at local barn dances by playing the guitar, harmonica and accordion.  They were also chosen to audition and be part of the Chicago WLS barn dance radio program.  In addition to being a music maker, he was also a story teller.  He loved reminiscing about his growing up at the cheese factory, his years of service in the military, his adventures as the cheese inspector for the State of Wisconsin and his world travels with is favorite traveling companion, Viv.  He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Lakeland, FL.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Vivian Breseman; daughter, Barbara (Deb) of Milwaukee; son, William of Lakeland, FL; daughter, Bonnie Macklin (Mack) of Maryland and their children, Lori (Kirk) Macklin, Dana (Doug) Rivas and Kari (Deyan) Dichev; son, Bradley (Kay of Florida and their son Brian (Sarah).

A memorial service and celebration of Al’s extraordinary life will be held July 17, 2010, at 10:30 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 745 S. Ingraham St., Lakeland, FL.